Sending your children off to fly alone can be nerve-wracking. Fortunately, airlines have unaccompanied minor services designed to safely transport your child to his or her destination. These programs allow you or another adult to go through security and walk your child to the gate. If your child has a connecting flight, then an airline representative will walk your child from gate to gate. Finally, the airline will check the identification of whoever is scheduled to pick up your child. Although unaccompanied minor programs are generally designed for children 11 or younger, some airlines will allow you to use the program for older children as well.

Steps

Method1

Using an Airline Service (Children ages 5-11)

1

Contact the airline to ask about its service. Airlines will require unaccompanied children to travel using their service. Because each airline sets its own rules for unaccompanied minors, you need to contact the airline and ask about the details of its service.[1] Unaccompanied minor services generally consist of the following:[2]

allowing your child to board the airplane early

introducing your child to the flight attendant, who will watch over the child during the flight

having an escort at the airport for connecting flights

releasing your child to the appropriate adult at the end of the flight

arranging different flights if a flight is cancelled or delayed

2

Check the airline’s age requirements. Each airline can set its own age requirements for using its program. Typically, the unaccompanied minor service is for children between the ages of 5 and 11.[3] If your child is between these ages, then he or she has to use the service in order to fly on the airline.

Sometimes, airlines will offer some services to older children, especially if you pay the fee. You should find out what services they offer for older children.

3

Get a list of restrictions. In order for your child to fly on the airline, you may have to comply with certain restrictions. Each airline can set its own restrictions. However, the following restrictions are common:[4]

Your child might only be allowed on nonstop flights. Alternately, the airline might only let the child switch planes if they are a certain age (such as eight or older).

Your child might not be allowed on the last flight of the day for that destination.

The airline might require early check-in (60-90 minutes before departure).

The airline might charge additional fees or higher fares to use the unaccompanied minor service.

4

Book a non-stop flight, if possible. To make things less complicated for your child, you should try to book a non-stop flight. You could also book a “through” flight, which is a flight that stops at an airport but the child does not need to change planes.[5]

Also try to book flights earlier in the day. If there is a delay, then your child might be able to catch a later flight on the same day.

5

Confirm the flight details with whoever is picking up your child. You should send this person a copy of the child’s flight itinerary, so that they know when to be at the airport to pick up your child. You should also call the day before the flight to confirm that the person is available for pick-up.

Ask the person to call you when they get to the airport so that you can confirm that they are waiting for your child. If the person doesn’t call you, then make sure you have a back-up.[6]

6

Bring your photo ID when dropping off your child. The airline will want to see your ID, so make sure to bring it with you when you take your child to the airport. Also, any adult picking up your child should also have a valid, government-issued photo ID on them.[7]

7

Talk to your child about what will happen during travel. If your child has a connecting flight, then he or she will likely be met by an airline representative, who will escort your child from the plane to the next flight. You should talk with your children ahead of time so that they understand what will happen.[8]

Your child will probably be given a badge to wear for the flight. Tell your child to leave the badge on for the duration of travel.

Remind your child to always stay in sight of any airline representative who escorts him or her around the airport. If your child needs to use the bathroom, then make sure the escort knows and accompanies your child there.

While on the plane, your child will probably be watched by a head flight attendant. Tell your child to speak to this person if they have a problem.

Also remind your child not to leave the airport with a stranger.

8

Fill out any required airline forms. The airline will probably ask you to complete an unaccompanied minor form at the counter on the day of the flight.[9] You should give yourself enough time to complete this form.

You will probably have to provide the phone number of the person picking up your child. You may also need to give the airline the phone number of a back-up who can pick up your child.

Make sure your child has a copy that he or she carries throughout the flight.

9

Escort your child to the gate, if possible. You will probably be able to walk your child through security and to the gate. Preferably, you can then go onto the plane and watch your child be seated. You will need an “escort pass” or similar document to go through security when you don’t have a ticket.[10]

Call your airline ahead of time and ask if you can get an escort pass to take your child to the plane. You shouldn’t wait until the morning of the flight to do this.

10

Track the flight. On the day your child flies, you should monitor the flight for any delays or cancellations. If anything goes wrong, you can contact the airline and the person who is meeting your child at their final destination.[11]

You can often track flights by visiting the airline’s website. Make sure that you have the correct flight number.

The website should tell you when the flight arrives or if it has been delayed.

11

Understand what happens if the flight is delayed overnight. The airline should tell you what it will do if your child’s connecting flight is cancelled or delayed. During winter, for example, flights can be cancelled due to a storm. Your child might not be able to get another flight until the next day.

You should understand the airline’s policies if the child has to stay overnight at the airport. Each airline’s policies may differ.

For example, some airlines might book a hotel room for your child where he or she will stay with an airline representative, with another unaccompanied child, or alone.

Other airlines might not take any responsibility for the child in an overnight delay situation. Instead, the child may be turned over to local authorities.[12]

Method2

Traveling as an Adolescent (Ages 12+)

1

Check if you can use the airline’s unaccompanied minor service. Although airline programs are generally for those 11 or younger, some airlines might offer services to older children. You should call the airline and ask.[13]

American Airlines, for example, makes its unaccompanied minor service available for all children ages five to 17.[14]

2

Talk with your child about how to deal with issues. When a child travels alone, he or she has to handle all of the routine hassles that crop up when adults travel: lost baggage, delayed flights, and cancellations. You will want to make sure your child knows how to handle each situation.

You could sit down with your child and talk about what they should do in each situation.

You can also write out a list of phone numbers. For example, you can give your child the phone number for reporting lost baggage, as well as the phone number to call in order to schedule another flight. You can find these numbers on the airline’s website.

Of course, you should also give your child your phone number and tell him or her to call you if anything goes wrong.

3

Give your child a cell phone. Many teens today have phones and are more comfortable using them than their parents are. However, if your child doesn’t have a cell phone, then you might want to give him or her one for travel. If the child has problems, they can call you.

If you don’t have a cell phone to give your child, then give him or her some quarters to use in a pay phone.[15]

4

Have your child travel with an ID. Children under 18 do not need a photo ID to travel domestically. However, it could be helpful if your child has an ID on them, especially if they are not travelling using the airline’s unaccompanied minor service.

Ideally, you should have an ID that does not show your child’s address. Passports, for example, are an ideal form of identification because they do not show a child’s home address.[16]

5

Talk to the airline about what happens if the flight is delayed. Generally, the airline will treat an older child just like any other passenger. If your child isn’t traveling under the unaccompanied minor program, then he or she will be responsible for scheduling a new flight and finding lodging, if necessary.[17]

However, some airlines might help your child book a flight. If a flight is cancelled and your child has to stay overnight, the airline might help your child get a room to stay in. It is up to the airline about whether they want to help your child.

If the airline won’t help, then your child might be released into police custody.

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Community Q&A

Tips

The airline will probably want to see a copy of the child’s birth certificate or a valid ID that shows the child’s age. You should send a copy of the birth certificate or identification to whoever is picking up your child as well.[18]

Whoever takes the child to the airport for departure should remain in the gate area until the plane is in the air. Sometimes planes taxi back to the gate if they have problems, and you don’t want to leave before you know the flight has taken off.